Pakistan’s Punjab Assembly passed the Anti-Terrorism (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026 on August 31, allowing terrorism cases to be designated for near-total secrecy. Under the law, the judge, prosecutor, police officers, defence lawyers and witnesses may remain anonymous, while the case file can be sealed.
The measure gives a confidential senior bureaucrat, known as the “designated authority”, power to classify a terrorism case—or a category of cases—as a “special security case” when those involved are considered to need protection. Opposition politicians, lawyers and rights groups say the arrangement threatens constitutional fair-trial guarantees.
How the secret-trial process would work
After the designated authority requests special treatment, the chief justice assigns the case to a sitting anti-terrorism court judge. A panel of five public prosecutors is created, and the designated authority selects one of them.
The identities of participants cannot be disclosed under the law. Court orders can be signed without identifying the judge, official titles replace names, and witnesses are referred to by codes. Hearings may take place by videolink, including from prison, with voices disguised. The file is held jointly by the chief justice and the designated authority.
Key points
- The designated authority’s identity is known only to the chief justice of the Lahore High Court.
- Witnesses may be identified by codes, and hearings may use videolinks and voice-altering technology.
- The law has no expiry date and permits the government to adopt additional measures it considers appropriate.
- An appeal could be heard by judges who are not told who presided over the original trial.
Why the law is contested
The government says the measure is needed because attacks by armed groups have increased and judges, prosecutors, investigators and witnesses face growing threats. Legislator Khalid Mahmood Ranjha said the chief justice, rather than the designated authority, nominates the trial judge and rejected concerns that the law could target political opponents.
Critics say the law does not clearly define when the special provisions can be used and gives an unelected official extensive power without clear oversight. Constitutional lawyer Rida Hosain said anonymous proceedings prevent an accused person from challenging possible judicial bias. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan warned that the powers could be used against ordinary citizens, political opponents or protesters in the name of security.
The law passed without amendment after opposition politicians walked out. Four days earlier, the provincial government had appeared to agree to a review by the law department or a parliamentary committee, but the bill returned to the assembly unchanged.
What happens next
Opposition politicians have argued that the measure conflicts with constitutional fair-trial protections and exceeds the authority of a provincial assembly because terrorism law falls under federal jurisdiction. With no sunset clause, the provisions will not expire automatically; the law’s future is likely to be tested in court.
What happens next
A legal challenge is expected, with opponents disputing the law’s fair-trial implications and whether Punjab had authority to legislate in this area.
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